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Letter: A philosophers’ symposium might fix the world

In view of the never ending chaos and bloodshed in Iraq, Syria, Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Palestine, and no solutions forthcoming, I would like to propose an around-the-clock symposium with world leaders, scientists, philosophers and common folks.

Because, physics professor Stephen Hawking warned us recently: “In a world that is in chaos politically, socially and environmentally, how can the human race sustain another 100 years?” A month later he confessed: “I don’t know the answer. That is why I ask the question, to get people to think about it, and to be aware of the danger we now face.”

And Pope Francis lamented: “If we destroy creation-creation will destroy us…Our world cannot take it anymore.”

Nearing the end of life, I experienced the consequences war, corruption and lies in politics and business in East Germany and the world since 1935. This gave me the motivation to search for possible solutions to humanities problems.

Such a symposium, where there is no hiding behind name, fame, fortune or position, will reveal who is a truly human being and worthy leader, to be in charge of spaceship Earth. Childish attitudes, like in Paris recently where Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama refused to dine together with France’s President Francois Hollande, are not only embarrassing, but very dangerous in our volatile world.

Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who shunned Vladimir Putin at the 70th anniversary of D-Day in France, is just as childish. New thinking is desperately needed and will emerge in this symposium, with a science based vision/philosophy that could capture the hearts and minds of many people.

I’m appealing on behalf of all suffering human beings, and especially children who cannot speak for themselves; to Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffet and especially to Jeff Skoll who expressed great concern about these issues, to sponsor such an event, as they all pledged to give tens of billions of dollars to philanthropy. Perhaps someone can contact and persuade these people to respond to this plea, as I was unsuccessful now and in 2003 to reach Bill Gates, that could have prevented a lot of misery.

Please Google baltimorechronicle-symposium-2003.

Only with honesty, truth and justice can there be a future for our specie.

Gunther Ostermann, Kelowna

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